Game Day Thread 2025 OFFICIAL GAMEDAY THREAD: AFC CHAMPIONSHIP - NE @ DEN

[Patjew]

I wish I could be put into medically induced coma for the next four hours.

 

[Uptown]

If the Patriots win the toss, would you defer or take the ball?

Taking the ball and scoring a TD immediately puts Denver on their heels. Stidham knows if he doesn't respond quickly, his team has the potential to be down two scores early. If they don't score, the crowd gets into it more. Denver has confidence. And they have the double dip opportunity before and after half.

Kicking off has pros/cons as well. If Denver scores a TD early and the crowd gets into it, Maye has alot of pressure to respond. Playing catch up is what they want to avoid. If they make a stop, it can put doubt in Stidham's mind. Maybe loses confidence. There is the opportunity for a double dip before and after half.

Personally, I would kick off and put Stidham to work immediately. Denver will likely kick off if they win the toss too.

Either way I’m fine with it, but what if we win the toss:

-Defer
-Let Stidham go first since he’s rusty
-Try to get a turnover or quick 3 & out
-Hopefully score right before the half
-Get the ball back after half time
-Double dip

 

[NFL Mystique]

Denver in the SB is a nightmare for the league, Vegas, and non Rams/Seahawks fans. Stidham vs Darnold would be extra worse. At least with the Rams you get Stafford.

 

[Raccoonsuit]

Doesn't look that cold there.

Its not. People won't need feet warmers at the stadium.

Once they're running around they'll totally be fine. Looks like maybe an inch of snow at the end of the game.

 

[DaBruinz]

Maybe it's just me, but I think that the COLD favors the Pats and their Running Game. Something that Denver doesn't really have without Dobbins.

 

[bormio]

If the Patriots win the toss, would you defer or take the ball?

Taking the ball and scoring a TD immediately puts Denver on their heels. Stidham knows if he doesn't respond quickly, his team has the potential to be down two scores early. If they don't score, the crowd gets into it more. Denver has confidence. And they have the double dip opportunity before and after half.

Kicking off has pros/cons as well. If Denver scores a TD early and the crowd gets into it, Maye has alot of pressure to respond. Playing catch up is what they want to avoid. If they make a stop, it can put doubt in Stidham's mind. Maybe loses confidence. There is the opportunity for a double dip before and after half.

Personally, I would kick off and put Stidham to work immediately. Denver will likely kick off if they win the toss too.

When I was young, you nearly always took the ball. I understand why people usually do not now. However am a bit surprised it is nearly automatic to defer. Some situations I think call for taking the ball first - but today probably is not one.

 

[Triumph]

Hate the cold. Love winning.

Drake, every possession ends with a kick.

Cool Hand Drake

 

[A Defiant Goose]

I’m waiting til it’s over before I even go outside. But I see a couple of you getting ahead of it….my neighbor is out there with his leaf blower…. Am I a dum dum? Idk, I’d rather just do it all once vs 6,7 times.

The snow is actually light and dry enough that I may end up doing the same. Just shovel it all in one go.

Although I am grilling brats and burgers in the backyard and I've had to reshovel the cooking area twice already

 

[Joey007]

I wish I could be put into medically induced coma for the next four hours.

I hate that I genuinely cannot enjoy these playoff games of this magnitude. I feel this same way. Just want to see the end result.

 

[PatsfanTN]

Bah…Stidham Stidham Stidham, they are really trying to pump him up.

 

[NFL Mystique]

Either way I’m fine with it, but what if we win the toss:

-Defer
-Let Stidham go first since he’s rusty
-Try to get a turnover or quick 3 & out
-Hopefully score right before the half
-Get the ball back after half time
-Double dip

Agreed.

Put him to action immediately. If Denver goes up by ten with two minutes left in the half for example, you still have two straight possessions to at least tie it. That is why double dip is important.

Denver will probably defer if they win the toss.

 

[Mack Herron]

I wish I could be put into medically induced coma for the next four hours.

Not impossible, but self-induced is easier.

 

[Rob0729]

 

[NFL Mystique]

When I was young, you nearly always took the ball. I understand why people usually do not now. However am a bit surprised it is nearly automatic to defer. Some situations I think call for taking the ball first - but today probably is not one.

Agreed.

Put Stidham to test immediately. A turnover or quick three and out would maybe shut the crowd up.

 

[Triumph]

I wish I could be put into medically induced coma for the next four hours.

Then you'll miss Moses working in real time.

 

[Uptown]

Plot twist: WE are the Warriors…

 

[manxman2601]

 

[Uptown]

Hopefully, we get another iconic Pats play today (I.E. Boutte’s one handed catch..)

 

[Ring 6]

Patriots all time vs Vance Joseph as DC or HC 5-0 with average of 31 ppg

 

[TheRainMaker]